Simon Dark caught my eye years ago at one of many visits to my favorite comic book shop, Meltdown Comics in West Hollywood, CA. The cover of Simon Dark issue #1 stated “Gotham’s Other Protector”. I was immediately drawn to his cryptic mask and the blood dripping from the wire he held in his hands. I read, and with the help of one of my best friends collected the entire series. It’s a unique twist for another super hero of Gotham. I won’t lie, I like the fact that he protects the innocent but much like the Punisher, he isn’t afraid to kill. It’s something that comes naturally to him and he doesn’t give it second thought.

He isn’t human but learns what it means to be human and the emotions that go along with the baggage that he carries. His first love is a young girl that he saves from the hands of a serial killer. She takes a liking to him and introduces him to another world that he is ignorant of. He has no mother but has a creator that pieced him together from the parts of other young men. This is kind of similar to the Frankenstein story. His powers are great but he really isn’t privy to how powerful he is seeing as he figuratively and literally lives his life in the dark. He’s quite the opposite of what we’re used to seeing with The Batman, and it’s refreshing. He isn’t wealthy, he doesn’t have to go through physical training, and he really isn’t a famous name in the city. Just a neighborhood saviour living in the sewers and stealing books. Occasionally emerging at night to forage for whatever he finds useful and following dangerous criminals that pose a threat to innocent people. I like that there were no cross overs leaving us to focus primarily on Simon’s character and what he brings to Gotham City. I really wish they’d bring this series back as I really do believe that he has a good story line and a great underground following. I could picture a PG-13 or R rated animated series and it doing very successful. One can only dream. Check out more info on Simon Dark. There are single issues which are a bit harder to find in comic shops but you can also look for the complete graphic novel series online.